Washington Redskins: Who's on the Roster Bubble?

As we approach the season's second preseason game, it's that time of the year when the "roster bubble" becomes more and more significant.

For every team, there's always the 25-40 guys that appear to be "locks". For a team like the Washington Redskins, that group would include guys like John Beck, Tim Hightower, Santana Moss, Brian Orakpo, etc.

But what makes for a much more interesting and entertaining debate is the argument for players that aren't locks. For every rookie trying to make the squad or every player battling for a spot, the roster bubble suddenly becomes one giant soap opera that you can't help but watch.

Quarterback

It's tough to say that the quarterback situation in Washington is "solidified" when you have two guys by the name of John Beck and Rex Grossman, but it certainly seems that way.

Regardless of who gets the starting nod in Washington (I think it's Beck), both Beck and Grossman are locks to make the roster. Beck is a Shanahan favorite and Sexy Rexy knows the system, enough to give both gentlemen a free pass.

As for the other joes, I wouldn't be surprised to see them all get the red tag. Sixth-year guy Kellen Clemens seems like a decent backup, and he's easily the third-string quarterback...if Shanahan decides to roll with three passers.

Rookie quarterback Ben Chappell will likely be cut and I would assume Matt Gutierrez continues his journey through the NFL as a backup.

Offensive Backfield

The obvious keeper, and likely starter, is the recently-acquired Tim Hightower. Fourth-year running back Ryan Torain is unfortunately always falling victim to the injury bug, but there's no way Shanahan lets him go.

Behind Hightower and the Torain Train is where it gets interesting. Roy Helu was drafted in the fourth round of last April's draft and he is easily the most explosive runner in the Redskins backfield. In my opinion, he's the favorite for the third running back position.

Rookie Evan Royster was a seventh-round pick last April and seems to be the hometown favorite. But, because Helu offers more from an athleticism standpoint, Royster may find himself on the practice squad this season.

However we must remember, because Shanahan has a thing for running backs and Torain's health is rarely ever consistent, Royster could join the Redskins' roster as a fourth running back.

At the fullback position, it seems to be a very tight race between Keiland Williams and Darrel Young. Although Young appears to be more of the "beast", Williams has shown his versatility and what he can offer in different situations. It's very possible that Shanny keeps both of these guys.

Recently-signed undrafted free agent Shaun Draughn was likely brought in for camp purposes and it doesn't appear that what he has shown thus far will earn him a roster spot.

The situation regarding veteran fullback Mike Sellers is a little tougher to read. Entering his twelfth year in the league and his eleventh with the Redskins, Sellers is arguably most valuable on special teams. At the particular position of fullback, it seems wiser to keep either Williams or Young.

As tough as it would be to see Sellers released, he may very well end up on the outside of a crowded backfield looking in.

Receivers

In my opinion, the receiving position is one of the most intriguing positions that the Redskins are dealing with this summer. Placing experience aside, all of the receivers currently on the Redskins roster are very talented and able to make an NFL squad. Unfortunately, Shanahan can't keep 15 receivers.

Heading into Friday's matchup against the Colts, I'd say that Shanahan is planning on keeping Santana Moss, Anthony Armstrong, Jabar Gaffney and Leonard Hankerson at receiver. As for tight ends, I think Shanahan likes the different styles of Chris Cooley, Fred Davis and Logan Paulsen and I believe he'll find a way to keep all three.

But when you get down to guys like Donte Stallworth, Malcolm Kelly and rookies Aldrick Robinson and Niles Paul, it gets a little tough.

Stallworth is a very talented deep threat with a decent shot at making the roster. If it weren't for Stallworth's injuries and inconsistency, perhaps he'd be pushed more towards making the team than battling for a spot.

Aldrick Robinson, in my opinion, can be a very talented slot receiver, but may be teetering on the edge of practice squad and the 53-man. If Robinson continues to show up during practice the way he has, Shanahan may be presented with tough decision.

From what Redskins insider Chris Russell has reported from Redskins practice, Niles Paul is making a serious push at making the team. Paul has returning abilities, he's a good-sized target and he can play both inside and outside.

Second-year player and former seventh-round pick Terrence Austin also presents a valid argument for why his speed and versatility could help the Redskins this season. Austin will be given kick returning duties for Friday's game against the Colts and he has a real opportunity to prove himself. If Austin can show enough as a returner, Shanahan may have to decide between he and another speedy return man.

Fan favorite Brandon Banks is in a tough spot this season. Although he serves the primary role of a returner, his second position would be at receiver. Unfortunately, Banks' 5'7" frame isn't necessarily ideal for a receiving target. Although his returning ability is usually electrifying, Banks may have to battle off Austin for a roster spot. The issues regarding Banks' knee doesn't help the situation either.

And then there's Malcolm Kelly, who may have very well seen the last of his days as a member of the Washington Redskins. It has now been three years and Redskins fans have yet to see what Kelly has to offer. Sure, his potential is enormous and we'd all love to have him suited up, but teams can't wait forever. Kelly's time is up.

Offensive Line

The Redskins coaching staff may have the intentions of strengthening the offensive trench and adding depth to the line, but that hasn't quite been accomplished this offseason.

Re-signing right tackle Jammal Brown and bringing on guard Chris Chester were both very good moves, but the line could be an injury or two away from major issues.

Trent Williams is a lock at the left tackle position and he is said to be in awesome shape. Shanahan appears confident in Kory Lichtensteiger at right guard and Will Montgomery looks to be the team's starting center.

Recently-signed tackle Sean Locklear will likely serve as Shanahan's swing-lineman this season, being able to step in and play either the guard or tackle position.

But beyond those, the offensive line is a work in progress.

After spending a year on the practice squad last season, much is expected out of both Erik Cook and Selvish Capers, but neither appear to be showing much so far.

Ten-year veteran Artis Hicks will likely remain with the Redskins this season, but only as a backup. The project didn't seem to workout for Shanahan the way he had planned, but Hicks can still be an effective sub.

If I were to guess, beyond the starting five, I'd say Shanahan sticks with Locklear, Cook, Hicks, rookie Maurice Hurt and perhaps undrafted rookie project Willie Smith. That would essentially leave out Xavier Fulton, Selvish Capers, Corey O'Daniel, Clint Oldenburg and Donovan Raiola.

Defensive Line

The Redskins coaching staff did a very good job of solidifying their starting defensive line rotation over the summer. After drafting Jarvis Jenkins and signing free agents Stephen Bowen and Barry Cofield to join Adam Carriker, the Redskins defensive line seems pretty legit.

Backups along the line appear to be Kedric Golston and Anthony Bryant, but rookie Chris Neild may find himself on the practice squad this season.

Veteran Darrion Scott could be a valuable backup at the end position, but the roster won't have room for much more. Current place-holders Jeff Stehle, Thomas Weaver and Doug Worthington are likely out.

Linebackers

Like the receiver position, the linebacking crew makes for good roster debate too.

The obvious locks for Jim Haslett's second-level are Brian Orakpo, London Fletcher, Lorenzo Alexander, Ryan Kerrigan and Perry Riley.

Potential alternatives at the position are re-signed Rocky McIntosh, Markus White, Rob Jackson and recently-signed Keyaron Fox.

From the looks of practice and according to Redskins insider Rich Tandler, Fox may be pitted against McIntosh for a roster spot, while Rob Jackson is being pushed by rookie pass-rusher Markus White.

As a real fan of Horatio "HB" Blades and his contribution on special teams, it could be hard to find room for him this season. And with Riley having the opportunity to start this season, or at least within the next year, it makes it even harder for guys like Blades, Edgar Jones, Eric McBride and Obi Ezeh.

Secondary

We can confidently assume the starting corners are going to be DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson, with the almost guarantee that Kevin Barnes serves as the No. 3.

But what happens beyond that?

Phillip Buchanon was re-signed during the offseason and he may be a reliable nickel back, but he's also suspended for the first four games of the season--making it tough on the coaching staff to keep him over someone younger with potential.

Rookie Brandyn Thompson looks to be headed to the practice squad, which is a fine scenario, and there's a little more to be seen from Reggie Jones.

Local product Byron Westbrook had made a name for himself with the Redskins organization over the last few years and that, combined with his strong work ethic, could earn him a spot on the team. Westbrook's contributions on special teams are also a plus.

At the safety position, Redskins Nation prays for the good health of both starters, LaRon Landry and O.J. Atogwe. While Atogwe's injury seems like just a bump in the road, Landry's injury could prove to be much more significant.

Interesting battles could form at the backup free safety position with guys like Chris Horton and Kareem Moore, both of which have shown signs of solid play, but without consistency.

Joining his fellow rookie teammate Brandyn Johnson on the practice squad could be free safety DeJon Gomes.

Special Teams

When the Redskins signed veteran kicker Shayne Graham, it was thought that the battle between he and Graham Gano would be much more hard fought than what we saw.

Since releasing Graham, Shanahan seems content with entering the season with Gano as his starting kicker, but I wouldn't say the third-year man out of Florida State has a lot of room for error.

After settling the green card/passport/travelling troubles of punter Sav Rocca, he's finally in camp and looks to be the team's eventual starter.

And then there's returner Brandon Banks. As mentioned before, Banks is lethal as a returner and he's an asset to the Redskins, but his skills may be limited.

Although we've seen Banks line up as a receiver, it doesn't seem that the Shanahans are entirely confident. With Banks serving only as a special teamer and the troubles with his knee, it's not going to be an easy road.

Barring any major mishap by Banks in the upcoming preseason games, I think Shanahan finds room for him.